The Andhra Pradesh government has promoted 296 deputy tehsildars (DTs) to the rank of tehsildar despite many facing corruption charges and disciplinary proceedings. The decision comes as the state grapples with an acute shortage of revenue officials.
Government Overlooks Allegations
A day before the promotions, the government set aside corruption allegations, ACB cases, and disciplinary actions against the officials. It directed the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) to ignore minor charges and proceed with promotions to ensure smooth revenue services. Sources indicate that about half of the promoted officials are facing charges, sparking debate within official circles as many remain under inquiry or vigilance watch.
Manpower Crisis in Revenue Department
The state has struggled with a severe shortage of tehsildars for years. Of the sanctioned 688 tehsildar posts, 60% have been vacant for a decade due to stalled promotions. With only around 300 regular tehsildars in service, most mandals operate under in-charge arrangements, affecting land administration, mutation services, grievance redressal, and welfare scheme implementation. On Thursday, CCLA Jayalakshmi promoted the 296 DTs and directed them to report to respective district collectors. The decision followed chief secretary G. Sai Prasad’s directive to relax eligibility norms due to administrative necessity.
Backlog and Legal Hurdles
Revenue department records show disciplinary proceedings pending against many promoted officials. While most charges are minor, some involve irregularities and vigilance cases. Officials argued that indefinite delays would worsen the crisis. Promotions were stalled between 2013-14 and 2017-18 due to litigation and policy disputes, creating a backlog. The government later secured high court permission to clear promotions up to the 2017-18 batch, filling 70% of vacancies through promotions and 30% via direct recruitment.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Employee associations welcomed the move, calling it long overdue and essential for efficiency. “Disciplinary proceedings can continue independently. Employees should not be denied career advancement indefinitely,” said Bopparaju Venkateswarlu, president of the Revenue JAC. However, critics contend that promoting officials facing corruption allegations sends the wrong signal and may conflict with central vigilance commission norms. They argue inquiries should have been completed before promotions.
